August 14, 2013

Beetles in rubber boots



Scientists from Kiel University study ladybirds’ feet

During their evolution, insects have developed various unique features to survive in their environment. The knowledge of the working principles of insects’ microstructures holds great potential for the development of new materials, which could be of use to humans. With this idea in mind, Dr. Jan Michels, a scientist at the Institute of Zoology at Kiel University, investigates how insects manage to efficiently cling to diverse surfaces. Michels and his colleagues recently published their new findings on the adhesive structures of ladybirds in the scientific journal Nature Communications.